【 Me 】wanting to be alone with my thoughts, I picked the very last row at the back of the grand hall. I leaned against my seat, staring at the ceiling as Alex's words echoed through my mind. "It has been a long time since she decided to pick up someone again. I dunno whether to consider it a curse or a blessing..." I let out a sigh as I rested my head on my hand. I spotted Eris several rows down, chatting with the other students. Well, aren't you little miss popular Ms. Winters.

To Eris' right, a student with black hair wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "Heyy babe. I heard your new partner got her ass handed today. Why do you even bother with weaklings when you can have someone like me... in your arsenal." The black hair guy chuckled.

"So whatcha say Winters? You. Me. Team up for this year's Tourney?"

"Not a fucking chance." Eris spat as she pushed his arm off.

"Aw come on... No hard feelings right? After all the things you've been through in the last couple of years, I'm sure you wouldn't wanna go through the same tragedy again do we?" He put his hand on her shoulder, pulling her closer.

"Whoa there you asshat." I said, slapping his hand away.

A wide lascivious grin appeared on his face as his eyes roamed up and down my body. "Ah. And you must be the infamous Scarlet Wolfe everyone's talking about... I've heard a lot about you. Let me introduce myself. I am Blake Griffin and it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm sure we'll become well acquainted in the near future." He dipped his head, swiftly taking my hand in his and planted a kiss on the back of it.

"You horny bastard!" I yanked my hand away and lunged at him. But before my fist could make contact, someone from behind forcefully jerked me back, subduing my movements.

"Let me go Eris! This douchebag needs a beating!" I could feel my face burn up as I squirmed under her grip, trying to break free from resistance.

"Don't." She softly whispered, with a pair of pleading eyes. Her figure towered over me, pushing me against the table.

It was then and there, I understood. Never had I thought this would be the first time I saw her so vulnerable. They say eyes are windows to the soul. I couldn't help but sense sadness that laid dormant within her. As much as it pains me seeing her wear such an expression; I gritted my teeth, forcibly biting back what crude remarks I had.

"That's right Eris. You better curb your dog or else that will befall upon you."A slight snicker erupted from Blake as he stood there, watching in amusement.

This motherfucker. I furrowed my eyebrows, staring daggers at him. I took a quick glance at Eris then back at him. Her eyes said no, but my body said yes. I closed my eyes, forcing my mind and body to relax. I felt my body dissipate leaving behind a shroud of black mist under Eris. Within a split second, I materialized in front of bitchboy, connecting a solid punch to the jaw, followed by a quick jab in the stomach. As he was taken aback, I gave him no time to analyze. Grabbing his collar, I slammed him down onto the ground. My eyes illuminated bloody red, as rage pulsed through my veins.

"You're just all bark and no bite I bet. How dare you talk to Eris like that!" I roared.

"So this is what your new partner is like, Eris? You better put this dog on a leash. Tsk. Seems like your taste has really gone downhill after your last one huh. Though, I do have to say that I like 'em feisty. If you're not satisfied, feel free to give her to me. I'd love to get myself... acquainted with this one." He let out a sinister laugh that sent chills running down my spine. Anger engulfed me and I continued landing deadly blows to his face.

The bell rang, signaling that class was in session.

"If I see your face again, you better run." I snapped. I got up and rushed over to Eris' side, grabbing her hand. Once we reached the back of the room, I pulled her into my embrace.

"It's going to be okay. Please come back to me Eris." I murmured softly, nipping her ear. I ran my fingers through her beautiful silver hair, gently caressing her.

"It's going to be okay." I whispered, hugging her tightly.

____________________

ᴘʜᴇᴡ! ʟᴏɴɢ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ɴᴏ ꜱᴇᴇ ʜᴜʜ? ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴀꜱᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇ ɪ ᴘᴏꜱᴛᴇᴅ ᴀ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ᴡᴀꜱ ʙᴀᴄᴋ ɪɴ ᴍᴀʏ 2020. ʜᴏʟʏ! ᴀɴᴅ ᴀʟʟ ɪ ɢᴏᴛᴛᴀ ꜱᴀʏ ɪꜱ...

ᴵᵐ ˢᵒʳʳʸ (つ﹏<。)

For the next chapter, I was planning to write it in Eris' POV. I think it's gonna be interesting! **Life update for those who care** I changed my major from Comp Sci to Nursing last summer! I'm pretty siked about it so far. I recently applied to the nursing program last month. Crossing my fingers I get in! ALSO, *~* currently drowning in lectures 🥵. This was literally the first week of class & I already had a quiz today. It really sucks that 90% of my classes are asynchronous... It really takes the fun out of things.

Anyway, enough about me... What about you guys, gals, and everything in between? How's life? School? College? Family? I'd love to hear from you all. I hope all of you are doing well and staying safe. Don't forget to wear masks! 😷

I don't have a clear updating schedule as of yet, but I'll TRY to release a chapter per week. NO PROMISES though ('Д｀;) Thank you for reading! Don't forget to smash that heart button and/or leave a comment ^^. See yall in the next update. Ciao!